Fluoride in diet

Definition

Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride. Calcium fluoride is mostly found in the bones and teeth.

Alternative Names

Diet - fluoride

Function

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Adding fluoride to tap water (called fluoridation) helps reduce cavities in children by more than half.

Fluorides also help maintain bone structure. Low doses of fluoride salts may be used to treat conditions that cause faster-than-normal bone loss, such as menopause.

Food Sources

Fluoridated water is found in most community water systems. (Well water often does not contain enough fluoride.)

Food prepared in fluoridated water contains fluoride. Natural sodium fluoride is in the ocean, so most seafood contains fluoride. Tea and gelatin also contain fluoride.

Infants get fluoride through drinking breast milk or infant formulas.

Side Effects

A lack (deficiency) of fluoride may lead to increased cavities, and weak bones and teeth.

Too much fluoride in the diet is very rare. Rarely, infants who get too much fluoride before their teeth have broken through the gums have changes in the enamel that covers the teeth. Faint white lines or streaks may appear, but they are usually not easy to see.

Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for fluoride:

Infants

0 - 6 months: 0.01 milligrams per day (mg/day)

7 - 12 months: 0.5 mg/day

Children

1 - 3 years: 0.7 mg/day

4 - 8 years: 1.0 mg/day

9 - 13 years: 2.0 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults

Males ages 14 to 18 years: 3.0 mg/day

Males over 18 years: 4.0 mg/day

Females over 14 years: 3.0 mg/day

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide plate.

Specific recommendations depend on age and gender, Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

To help make sure infants and children do not get too much fluoride:

Ask your health care provider about the type of water to use in concentrated or powdered formulas.

Do not use any fluoride supplement without talking to your health care provider.

Avoid using fluoride toothpaste in infants younger than 2 years.

Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste in children older than 2 years.